I have been sorely neglecting my blog duties! I promise it's not you, it's me. Dom and I have finally moved into our D.C. place but it's not exactly home yet. This next week, painters will be arrive and hopefully by the end of the week, it will be a little more to the taste and stylings of C.K. Randazzo. :)
I also have a couple of projects on my agenda for the weekend! There will be some furniture transformation happening that I'll be excited to post on the blog.
Once we have paint on the walls and the carpet cleaned, I will actually receive the shipment from Zambia. I always say that it's amazing what you can live without, but I must admit that I am tired of living without. I want art on the wall, creative, comfortable spaces, and those little things that make me happy like drinking homemade espresso out of my favorite mug.
I just keep imaging the the dinner parties, bbq, and get togethers to come but I am anxious to get the show on the road! In the mean time, I have PLENTY to keep me busy namely business registration, new website for the newest branch of my business (SO excited about it, but more to share later!), and a whole lot of technical logisitics.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Goldy Locks....
Check out this baby! Snagged her off of craigslist for 25 dollars! She's going to be a beauty in my new office! I think the white frame needs a bit of repainting.....debating between Chrome or White. Thoughts?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
MidCentury Modern 0 Vintage Clothing 4
Dom was working second shift this week so he indulged me by letting me drag him around to a few vintage stores around U Street. Our initial target was Ruff & Ready Furnishings, but it turn out they are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. As was our second target, Millenium Decorative Arts. We were able to check out the fabulous Goodwood, which "yelpers" everywhere have been raving about since my arrival. It was fab! And totally out of my price range, I made a mental note to my older, hopefully slightly wealthier self that this is place to take note of. There was a white leather chair that I attempted to put in my handbag prior to leaving the premises.
Anyhoo...I did have the good fortune to stop into Junction Vintage which is a fabulous vintage clothing store. They have a great selection of items, and the girl working there was great! I told her that our furniture mission had been a fail. And she proceeded to give me the in's and outs of the vintage furniture stores in the area. She even revealed #asupersecretstealofadealfurniturespot. It is on my to do list to follow up on this lead, and will be revealed at a later date! Rule number #1 of thrifting, make friends with those who do it for a living. They know things!
After a walk through the botanical gardens and a fabulous lunch at the Native American Museum with my honey. I dropped him off at work and continued my hunt. I went down to Georgetown where I visited Random Harvest which had some truly beautiful shabby chic meets Hollywood regency pieces. It was a great place to be inspired, but I was definitely out of my price league. Same story at Susquehanna Antique Co., they carry mostly old world antiques which are alittle too frufru, fancy schmacy for my style. To each their own...
Luckily, the day was not a waste. Since I was in the area, I HAD to stop by Second Hand Rose, the mecca of high end D.C. vintage shopping. They've been in the area for over 30 years and they have a wealth of designer labels from every era. They also have a killer sales rack. I didn't have much time left on parking but I did manage to grab this houndstooth Elle Tahari Blazer for $10 dollars, it's original price in the shop $169. It is definitely vintage, fully lined wool blend. It is in PERFECT condition. A girl can never have to much hounds tooth right? Now where is my $10 mid-century modern table??
Anyhoo...I did have the good fortune to stop into Junction Vintage which is a fabulous vintage clothing store. They have a great selection of items, and the girl working there was great! I told her that our furniture mission had been a fail. And she proceeded to give me the in's and outs of the vintage furniture stores in the area. She even revealed #asupersecretstealofadealfurniturespot. It is on my to do list to follow up on this lead, and will be revealed at a later date! Rule number #1 of thrifting, make friends with those who do it for a living. They know things!
After a walk through the botanical gardens and a fabulous lunch at the Native American Museum with my honey. I dropped him off at work and continued my hunt. I went down to Georgetown where I visited Random Harvest which had some truly beautiful shabby chic meets Hollywood regency pieces. It was a great place to be inspired, but I was definitely out of my price league. Same story at Susquehanna Antique Co., they carry mostly old world antiques which are alittle too frufru, fancy schmacy for my style. To each their own...
Luckily, the day was not a waste. Since I was in the area, I HAD to stop by Second Hand Rose, the mecca of high end D.C. vintage shopping. They've been in the area for over 30 years and they have a wealth of designer labels from every era. They also have a killer sales rack. I didn't have much time left on parking but I did manage to grab this houndstooth Elle Tahari Blazer for $10 dollars, it's original price in the shop $169. It is definitely vintage, fully lined wool blend. It is in PERFECT condition. A girl can never have to much hounds tooth right? Now where is my $10 mid-century modern table??
Monday, April 4, 2011
Collecting my own version of pirate gold....
Anyone who knows me, knows that I dig a good deal, especially when it comes to vintage items. On Friday, I decided to get myself out of the house (letting Dom catch up on his zzz's after the night shift) for the sole purpose of going to look at antique/thrift shops. I was actually on a mission for mid-century modern furniture but these things never quite turn out like you plan.
My first stop Bethesda Flea Market, held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. It was cold, and there wasn't much there in terms of furniture. But on my way back to my car, I ran across this tiny little thrift shop that was gold mine! You can visit too if you're are up Bethesda way! All items except those in the two lower rooms are half price on Sundays, and discounted 10% on Monday!
Now I know that some people have some pre-concieved notions regarding "junk" shops. For me it's more about following my pirate tendencies and treasure hunting. If it's not your thing than you will never understand, but if you dig a good bargain and some vintage gold then let me know and we can be mateys. I love the fact that you never know what your going to find, and that keeps me coming back for more.
My retro booty from this trip is as follows:
One fab wrap party dress with gray and white stripes, double wrap bow, and fabulous layered skirt. Tag reads: Remedy: Made in NYC unlike most. Looks vintage, but I couldn't find any info online about. Total steal for 10 dollars. Might be coming to a wedding near you!
One fantastic vintage skirt suit. Fab puffed sleeve with shoulder pad, bow tie, and skinny belt. 100% silk, blue with orange diamond design. Made by Maggy London Petites (Jeannene Booher). Not sure of the year but I found several Maggy London suits on Etsy in the $40-$60 dollar range. My steal....$12. The bow is my favorite part!
The third and final steal of the day is a gorgeous wool blazer, fully lined, 3/4 inch sleeves, with gold buttons, and a lot of sass! This piece has already made it's d.c. debut. Made by Point of View, very Ralph Lauren. I doubt it's vintage, but still fabulous. I dig a good blazer, I am certain I have way more than I need but when you pick one up for $8 you can't really complain, right?
My first stop Bethesda Flea Market, held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. It was cold, and there wasn't much there in terms of furniture. But on my way back to my car, I ran across this tiny little thrift shop that was gold mine! You can visit too if you're are up Bethesda way! All items except those in the two lower rooms are half price on Sundays, and discounted 10% on Monday!
Now I know that some people have some pre-concieved notions regarding "junk" shops. For me it's more about following my pirate tendencies and treasure hunting. If it's not your thing than you will never understand, but if you dig a good bargain and some vintage gold then let me know and we can be mateys. I love the fact that you never know what your going to find, and that keeps me coming back for more.
My retro booty from this trip is as follows:
One fab wrap party dress with gray and white stripes, double wrap bow, and fabulous layered skirt. Tag reads: Remedy: Made in NYC unlike most. Looks vintage, but I couldn't find any info online about. Total steal for 10 dollars. Might be coming to a wedding near you!
One fantastic vintage skirt suit. Fab puffed sleeve with shoulder pad, bow tie, and skinny belt. 100% silk, blue with orange diamond design. Made by Maggy London Petites (Jeannene Booher). Not sure of the year but I found several Maggy London suits on Etsy in the $40-$60 dollar range. My steal....$12. The bow is my favorite part!
The third and final steal of the day is a gorgeous wool blazer, fully lined, 3/4 inch sleeves, with gold buttons, and a lot of sass! This piece has already made it's d.c. debut. Made by Point of View, very Ralph Lauren. I doubt it's vintage, but still fabulous. I dig a good blazer, I am certain I have way more than I need but when you pick one up for $8 you can't really complain, right?
So the moral of the story is I came home without furniture, but who needs it when you have fabulous outfits to wear out? Somehow I don't think my husband is surprised. Anyone up for thrifting?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Starting from Scratch
The greatest thing about moving into a new place back stateside is that we have no furniture. Call me a perpetual optimistic or design junkie, or both! But I am STOKED!! Seriously, we don't have to face any of the guilt attached to the first sofa "that was donated to me by Aunty J when I was in college", lucky for us we bagged the sentimental stuff before we left on this trip. (#insertdisclaimerhereitonlytookme5years!).
This means that we get to start from scratch. We literally have everything we could ever need in terms of home goods, so its been nice to be able to focus on furniture alone. I'm not exactly sure what I would call my style, but it is something along the lines of "midcentury modern" meets "industrial" meets "vintage" meets "modern". Sooo... "Midmodindvindern". :) That's a whole lot of i's and d's folks!
Luckily I have certain friends who love to frequent estate sales, and they have already scooped up several steals for me! I've also been scouring craigslist like a fiend! We won't move into the place until July. But I am keeping myself motivated and inspired by making little inspiration boards for myself! Here's round one!
This means that we get to start from scratch. We literally have everything we could ever need in terms of home goods, so its been nice to be able to focus on furniture alone. I'm not exactly sure what I would call my style, but it is something along the lines of "midcentury modern" meets "industrial" meets "vintage" meets "modern". Sooo... "Midmodindvindern". :) That's a whole lot of i's and d's folks!
Luckily I have certain friends who love to frequent estate sales, and they have already scooped up several steals for me! I've also been scouring craigslist like a fiend! We won't move into the place until July. But I am keeping myself motivated and inspired by making little inspiration boards for myself! Here's round one!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Stateside Update!
Hello friends! So sorry I have been slacking on the blog, we've only had a few life changing moments over the last month! We are settling into our temporary place in Virginia. And readjusting to the glorious luxuries of being home.
Thanks to everyone who has been checking up on us and on Dom's health. He is doing better since we are back in the states. We have had a serious change in lifestyle since our arrival, namely a super duper elimination diet that cuts wheat, gluten, dairy, red meat, coffee, alcohol, etc. Initially this sounded super scary! However, it honestly hasn't been too bad and it forces some creativity in the kitchen.
I must say though, I have learned a whole new style of grocery shopping. Thank goodness for Trader Joes and Whole Foods! And we know have a cabinet full of weird, expensive food items. And I have learned how to make some strange, yet delish dishes! You should know that Dom is loving all the experimentation in the kitchen, and loves even more that for the first time ever I make sure he's got lunch prior to work. Who knew we were capable of such gender roles?
Anyhow life is almost perfect, we're just waiting for Grace to join us stateside. Apparently she has mad kitty survival skills as she escaped the vets office after attacking the vet's assistant, and sought refuge on the roof. They did manage to wrangle her back in her cage, but not until she'd missed her flight by a good four hours. Needless to say mission "send grace to civilization" was a bust. We hear that they plan on sedation next time. Lets hope she doesn't remember a thing!
Thanks to everyone who has been checking up on us and on Dom's health. He is doing better since we are back in the states. We have had a serious change in lifestyle since our arrival, namely a super duper elimination diet that cuts wheat, gluten, dairy, red meat, coffee, alcohol, etc. Initially this sounded super scary! However, it honestly hasn't been too bad and it forces some creativity in the kitchen.
I must say though, I have learned a whole new style of grocery shopping. Thank goodness for Trader Joes and Whole Foods! And we know have a cabinet full of weird, expensive food items. And I have learned how to make some strange, yet delish dishes! You should know that Dom is loving all the experimentation in the kitchen, and loves even more that for the first time ever I make sure he's got lunch prior to work. Who knew we were capable of such gender roles?
Anyhow life is almost perfect, we're just waiting for Grace to join us stateside. Apparently she has mad kitty survival skills as she escaped the vets office after attacking the vet's assistant, and sought refuge on the roof. They did manage to wrangle her back in her cage, but not until she'd missed her flight by a good four hours. Needless to say mission "send grace to civilization" was a bust. We hear that they plan on sedation next time. Lets hope she doesn't remember a thing!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Featured Zambian Artist: Chalyapa Lwandu
Dom and I made our final Zambian art purchase, a lovely piece by Chalyapa Lwandu. Chalyapa focuses on more traditional content with a-typical techniques. He works fibers into his paintings which give them a lovely texture. I love the rural, ceremonial feel to his work. What I like the most about his pieces are the multi-dimensional texture, print, on top of the content. You can look at his piece for some time and see different things. I am so please with this painting! I can't wait to have it on top of our mantel somewhere!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Zambia Art: Stary Mwaba
I was first introduced to Stary Mwaba's work on my first weekend in Zambia. He showed at a Christmas fair, at the time I wasn't aware what a phenomenal body of work he had. But even then his pieces really grabbed my attention. Since then Stary has been to the New York, and had exhibitions several other places. His work is becoming international, so I knew we needed to add a piece to our collection prior to our departure.
Much of Stary's work depicts transition from rural life to city life. Transformation is a reoccurring theme. This is from Stary's newest series, where he creates pieces that incorporate chitenge material, a traditional African cloth. The material is used mainly by women as clothing and is patterned with a number of different designs both traditional and political. They represent to Mwaba a key part of the African culture, which have been manipulated by businesses and politics. Read more about Stary and his work here.
Stary is such an amazing artist, his story is inspirational. And his pieces allow the viewer to consider the many transitions that individuals go through, and the changing world that we are all a part of. I look forward to seeing where he goes in the future.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
D.C. Bound
Well friends, Dom and I are off on yet another adventure. Due to an unforeseen medical issue it looks like we will be returning to D.C. a bit earlier than we had planned. Dom was diagnosed with a chronic condition right after his arrival to post. Unfortunately for us, there is no doctor here who specializes in the type of treatment that Dominic needs. So Med has changed our clearance and we are being sent back to D.C. for awhile. Possibly a year or two.
Things are still a little up in the air, we know that we will be leaving in the next two weeks, but don't have the exact date yet. As of Monday, we will be packing up. Didn't I just unpack? Oh well, there is nothing to do but move forward. I am going to a be an old pro at this before it's all said and done.
Anyhow, we look forward to seeing you all stateside. If you know of any apartment openings, please let me know as we are on the hunt. See you soon!!
Things are still a little up in the air, we know that we will be leaving in the next two weeks, but don't have the exact date yet. As of Monday, we will be packing up. Didn't I just unpack? Oh well, there is nothing to do but move forward. I am going to a be an old pro at this before it's all said and done.
Anyhow, we look forward to seeing you all stateside. If you know of any apartment openings, please let me know as we are on the hunt. See you soon!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Crystal's Crafty Creations: Paper Globe & Our Winner
I have a bookmark folder full of crafts ideas that I am hoping to do at some point in time. The truth is I almost never get to them. But I think about them pretty frequently. I had a bad week, I am feeling defeated by all the waiting on work permits, stupid logistics, and well lets face it I hate sitting around. So today I decided that I would do something for myself.
I visited my Aunt in Venice when I was in grad school and purchased some lovely marbled paper there. I have a paper obsession. I've been dreaming about what to do with this glorious stuff since the day I bought it, but nothing seemed right. Then I stumbled upon the perfect craft tutorial on Photojojo (love them!) I saved it in my bookmarks after Christmas but today was the day it became a reality!
I'd like to say that I know that some people have a few pre-conceived notions about crafting. They attribute it to grandmas and cat ladies. I do to, sorta (as my Granny was a serious crafter...her quilts, crochet, embroidery is to DIE for.) I totally fly the crafty flag! In fact, I always say that my idea of perfection would be me sitting at home making things for my etsy shop (this may be my time friends).
Anyhoo....here are some photos from the sphere I made from my luxurious venetian paper, I can't wait to locate some fishing wire and hang it up. Did I mention it's gorgeous from every angle? I need to do more crafts they make me happy!
Now drum roll please! Time to announce the winner for the CSN drawing. I had Dom do the honors of drawing from the names of everyone who entered! Congrats to Dee, you will be receiving an email regarding the gift card at the email address you gave me! I loved seeing your glorious picks, my readers have rocking, good taste!
I visited my Aunt in Venice when I was in grad school and purchased some lovely marbled paper there. I have a paper obsession. I've been dreaming about what to do with this glorious stuff since the day I bought it, but nothing seemed right. Then I stumbled upon the perfect craft tutorial on Photojojo (love them!) I saved it in my bookmarks after Christmas but today was the day it became a reality!
I'd like to say that I know that some people have a few pre-conceived notions about crafting. They attribute it to grandmas and cat ladies. I do to, sorta (as my Granny was a serious crafter...her quilts, crochet, embroidery is to DIE for.) I totally fly the crafty flag! In fact, I always say that my idea of perfection would be me sitting at home making things for my etsy shop (this may be my time friends).
Anyhoo....here are some photos from the sphere I made from my luxurious venetian paper, I can't wait to locate some fishing wire and hang it up. Did I mention it's gorgeous from every angle? I need to do more crafts they make me happy!
Now drum roll please! Time to announce the winner for the CSN drawing. I had Dom do the honors of drawing from the names of everyone who entered! Congrats to Dee, you will be receiving an email regarding the gift card at the email address you gave me! I loved seeing your glorious picks, my readers have rocking, good taste!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Giveaway!
Hello friends,
I was going to skip out on the blog today as I've already posted two blogs this week! However, I'm super excited because CSN stores contacted me about hosting this fabulous giveaway today and I had to do it.What's good for my readers is good for me right? Getting their email made me feel like I'm really operating in the blogosphere, and I thought only my mom read my blog. Heehee!
Do you guys know CSN? Love them! CSN sells everything from swing sets, to shoes (don't ask me how I know), to cookware! We recently purchased this fabulous looking t.v. console from them (we haven't put it together yet as we need to have some furniture removed from our house prior to fitting it in the living room). And that was pre-giveaway therefore I have no bias! CSN has over 200 stores and I'm betting you can find pretty much anything you want, if not hire me as your personal shopper and I promise to deliver!
Are you having the post holiday, "I really shouldn't blues?" Well refrain no longer because for one lucky commenter on this post I will send you a $25 gift certificate (emailed) to use at any of CSN's 200 online stores, on anything your little heart desires! This covers everything but shipping.
Leave me a comment about what fabulous CSN jewel you have your heart set on and why!
The FINE PRINT:
1) Only open to US and Canadian peeps. (Sorry! I don't make the rules, I only enforce them.)
2) Leave your comment by Tuesday, January 25th by 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).
That's it! Easy peasy, right? Good luck!
I was going to skip out on the blog today as I've already posted two blogs this week! However, I'm super excited because CSN stores contacted me about hosting this fabulous giveaway today and I had to do it.What's good for my readers is good for me right? Getting their email made me feel like I'm really operating in the blogosphere, and I thought only my mom read my blog. Heehee!
Do you guys know CSN? Love them! CSN sells everything from swing sets, to shoes (don't ask me how I know), to cookware! We recently purchased this fabulous looking t.v. console from them (we haven't put it together yet as we need to have some furniture removed from our house prior to fitting it in the living room). And that was pre-giveaway therefore I have no bias! CSN has over 200 stores and I'm betting you can find pretty much anything you want, if not hire me as your personal shopper and I promise to deliver!
Are you having the post holiday, "I really shouldn't blues?" Well refrain no longer because for one lucky commenter on this post I will send you a $25 gift certificate (emailed) to use at any of CSN's 200 online stores, on anything your little heart desires! This covers everything but shipping.
Leave me a comment about what fabulous CSN jewel you have your heart set on and why!
The FINE PRINT:
1) Only open to US and Canadian peeps. (Sorry! I don't make the rules, I only enforce them.)
2) Leave your comment by Tuesday, January 25th by 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).
That's it! Easy peasy, right? Good luck!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Making Zambia Home: Part 2
Well today I took some more photos of our work in progress! I decided I should wait until the house keeper came to take photos since the kitchen was a wreck! Once Patricia worked her magic, I busted out the tripod and took some more photos. I still did not get to the whole house, but here's part two of the Zambian digs.
I love the green we chose for the living room! I knew exactly what color family I wanted prior to heading to the paint store. I learned a vital lesson in paint choosing while I was there. Right before they were about to mix up the green paint, the painter told me that he had calculated the cost wrong. He told me that the shade of green I had chosen was going to be over a hundred dollars just for the green pigment alone. What the heck? Apparently some greens are greener than others. I opted out of the pricey paint for literally the shade right next to it which was normal price. I'd like to think I have a special talent for always finding the most expensive item in the store, case in point. That my friends is champagne taste on a beer budget!
So some of my favorite items in this room are below...I always say it's the little details that count. I'm on the hunt for a gorgeous, colorful, Zambia piece for the mantel piece. Meanwhile, you guys can dream with me!
Speaking of glass, I've long been a fan of this fantastic medium! There is a little glass blowing shop in the glass museum at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV. The top piece came from that shop, and we got to watch the glass blower make it. It is a frequent stop on my visits to my grandfather. The piece below came from the glass gift shop which is located above the museum, it is filled with treasures from the beaches of Haiti.
I love the green we chose for the living room! I knew exactly what color family I wanted prior to heading to the paint store. I learned a vital lesson in paint choosing while I was there. Right before they were about to mix up the green paint, the painter told me that he had calculated the cost wrong. He told me that the shade of green I had chosen was going to be over a hundred dollars just for the green pigment alone. What the heck? Apparently some greens are greener than others. I opted out of the pricey paint for literally the shade right next to it which was normal price. I'd like to think I have a special talent for always finding the most expensive item in the store, case in point. That my friends is champagne taste on a beer budget!
So some of my favorite items in this room are below...I always say it's the little details that count. I'm on the hunt for a gorgeous, colorful, Zambia piece for the mantel piece. Meanwhile, you guys can dream with me!
These two lovely pieces were done by the oh so talented, Stephanie Thorton of Abracadabra Glass in Abilene, TX. Stephanie did several shows at the gallery I worked at in college, and whenever I'm in Abilene, I always stop by her shop. We purchased both of these pieces this summer, and I was lucky Dom didn't fill up the entire car. The disc is his favorite!
I have a new obsession with throw pillows, specifically throw pillows from Etsy. How fantastically, amazing are these guys? The two jungle themed pillows came from Carlos Santiago's spectacular shop, this man knows his pillows! The darling, little snoozing dog came from RobinandMould in the UK.
Moving on, one of the best functional spaces in our house is the kitchen. It is by far the largest kitchen I've ever had, and quite a change from Dom and I bumping into each other ever two seconds. It had so many lovely, existing neutrals so I thought it could handle a bold pop of color. Boy did it ever!
I get so much pleasure from all the little details! Dominic purchased this key rack for me this christmas (from Etsy...where else?). And I love these vintage-esque flour and sugar holders. They have been living in my storage unit virtually since I bought them. It makes me happy to see them out in all their glory.
Did I mention that we might of splurged on a couple of high end appliances prior to our arrival? Oh be still my heart...never mind that's just all the pastries and caffeine!
Just for fun, I thought you might want to see how the other half lives. You remember the pre-apocalyptic shopping excursion I did prior to my departure from the states, where it looked like I was outfitting a bomb shelter? All those goodies have to fit in this house too. Luckily, I have a pretty big pantry, and a guest closet.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Making Zambia Home: Part 1
As promised, I am posting photos of our new home in Zambia. It will probably be a two part post. We had an incredibly productive weekend, we got the house painted, and started putting the final touches around our house. This is the first time in years that I have had all of my art work in one place and it makes my heart happy to begin crafting a home so to speak!
My favorite room so far, just might be my office. This is probably because I have never really had a real office in my home before. Besides the fact that I bought a whole load of new toys that I am just beginning to utilize to their fullest! Usually I stick a desk in a bedroom and call it good. But this is truly a creative space and it feels very put together, and I LOVE the art in here. Kudos to my talented friend Jonathon Kimbrell for the lovely Marilyns, and my mentor Timothy O. Sutherland for the lovely photo. You guys make my space!
Here is our dining room, which is just gorgeous! I love the combination of grey/tan wall (Soap Bubble according to the paint store) with the rich furniture. It feels modern, but young to me. Once again the art in this space makes me so happy! The large painting of wings was done by my friend Leighanne Meador, post Hurricane Katrina. I don't think it's ever had such a wonderful show case spot! The far wall is my Haiti wall, there is a mirror was crafted by Haitians from oil drums (which isn't pictured) and two small paintings were done by Leroy Exil who Dom and I had the pleasure of meeting in person while living in Haiti.
Dom and I have slowly been working on the outside of our house as well, and our biggest accomplishment so far is the gorgeous rose/herb garden we look out onto from our patio. It is a little slice of heaven to have your morning cup of coffee and feast your eyes!
Here's a little shout out for the ladies of T.I.P., check out the glass on my patio door.Yes those are teeny, tiny sailboats.
More from the home base soon!
My favorite room so far, just might be my office. This is probably because I have never really had a real office in my home before. Besides the fact that I bought a whole load of new toys that I am just beginning to utilize to their fullest! Usually I stick a desk in a bedroom and call it good. But this is truly a creative space and it feels very put together, and I LOVE the art in here. Kudos to my talented friend Jonathon Kimbrell for the lovely Marilyns, and my mentor Timothy O. Sutherland for the lovely photo. You guys make my space!
Here is our dining room, which is just gorgeous! I love the combination of grey/tan wall (Soap Bubble according to the paint store) with the rich furniture. It feels modern, but young to me. Once again the art in this space makes me so happy! The large painting of wings was done by my friend Leighanne Meador, post Hurricane Katrina. I don't think it's ever had such a wonderful show case spot! The far wall is my Haiti wall, there is a mirror was crafted by Haitians from oil drums (which isn't pictured) and two small paintings were done by Leroy Exil who Dom and I had the pleasure of meeting in person while living in Haiti.
Dom and I have slowly been working on the outside of our house as well, and our biggest accomplishment so far is the gorgeous rose/herb garden we look out onto from our patio. It is a little slice of heaven to have your morning cup of coffee and feast your eyes!
Here's a little shout out for the ladies of T.I.P., check out the glass on my patio door.Yes those are teeny, tiny sailboats.
More from the home base soon!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
RARA carries on!
Today while reading my friend Kevin's blog, I learned that the business, RARA, that she nurtured from the ground up in Haiti, and sold shortly before the earthquake is alive and well in Haiti. I can't tell you what hope that gave me. Many of you recieved RARA as Christmas gifts, the year before last. I was an avid support of RARA and all it stood for in Haiti.
In Haiti, RARA bands often roam the street in times of celebration, utilizing found materials to make a variety of instruments. Kevin used this concept of using found materials to create bags from trash, and jobs for needy women in Haiti. Purchasing RARA bags promotes sustainable projects and artists in need in Haiti.
Kevin also shared a link to own of her U.S. RARA importers, Tesoros Trading Company, who is selling RARA bags and now promoting a new program to help local artisans in Haiti called Hearts for Haiti.
I truly believe that art in Haiti is one of the things that could revitalize the Haitian economy. The vibrancy of their art in every form still astounds me. Support Haiti and the creatives that pour themselves into art every day.
Buy a heart for Haiti, and generate a donation to the HAND/EYE Fund's artisan grants program supporting Haiti artisans in their struggle to rebuild their lives and businesses in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake.
In Haiti, RARA bands often roam the street in times of celebration, utilizing found materials to make a variety of instruments. Kevin used this concept of using found materials to create bags from trash, and jobs for needy women in Haiti. Purchasing RARA bags promotes sustainable projects and artists in need in Haiti.
Kevin also shared a link to own of her U.S. RARA importers, Tesoros Trading Company, who is selling RARA bags and now promoting a new program to help local artisans in Haiti called Hearts for Haiti.
I truly believe that art in Haiti is one of the things that could revitalize the Haitian economy. The vibrancy of their art in every form still astounds me. Support Haiti and the creatives that pour themselves into art every day.
Buy a heart for Haiti, and generate a donation to the HAND/EYE Fund's artisan grants program supporting Haiti artisans in their struggle to rebuild their lives and businesses in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake.
Hand-carved river stone hearts from the village of Cormier, located in a rural zone just east of Port au Prince, represent the best link between Haitian artisans and the distant markets they must reach to earn a living. HAND/EYE Fund, through its Austin, Texas importing partner, Tesoros Trading Co., offers employment to the carvers by buying the hearts from them. The proceeds from sales of the hearts go to the HAND/EYE Fund's artisan grants program in Haiti - which offers small cash grants to artists and artisans who need to rebuild houses and workshops, replenish tools and raw materials, and gain access to design input from the markets in which they are trying to sell.
The HAND/EYE Fund supports skilled artisans in their struggle to earn decent livelihoods through preservation of ancient traditions, innovation of new ones, exploration of new markets, and educating the consuming public about the cultural and economic importance of their work.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Years at Kanyemba: Part 3
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